In a free society anyone can 'sell' anything to anybody. Not to be allowed to do so, may be seen as an 'infringement of human rights'! We all suffer from aggressive salesmanship , whether insurance policies or doing up the roof or cleaning the garden. At the time of recession, people do try to earn a living by whatever means or method ; that accepted, there must be some rules or code of conduct. As the telephone calls or emails often arrive from abroad, it is not always possible to 'police' them.>
Let me give you one example. A vulnerable elderly woman received a mail from some ''health care organisation''( of dubious origin) offering all sorts of services eg domestic support, transportation , rehabilitation even medical care! She had felt it was probably some scam and ignored it initially ; it didn't stop- several more calls came almost pushing her to 'sign a contract' with them against payment etc. When she refused to do any such thing and requested no further calls or mails, she was almost threatened ! Needles to say she was upset and spoke to one of her visitors ( which she had only a few and occasional) and they all tried to appease her. No one knew whether any 'action' can be taken in such situation and which authority to contact for 'protection' from similar misdemeanour in the future.>
I consider such action amounts to 'abuse' which ought to be within the remits of the 'safe-guarding adults' programme and cover. I do not know whether it is.
The other area is 'rogue' traders calling at the door, especially when a vulnerable elderly is living alone, perhaps with some money- shoddy jobs are done and money is accepted only in cash. No credible documents given - so that person can't be traced by anyone. This has been highlighted by several TV programme but it continues unabated.
Be careful there is always a thief about !!!!
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article